Guwahati: Calling Kaziranga “more than a National Park—it is the soul of Assam and a priceless jewel of India’s biodiversity,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday performed the bhoomi pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project, a major infrastructure initiative worth over ₹6,950 crore, at Kaliabor in Nagaon district in Assam.
The project involves the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway-715 and includes a 35-kilometre elevated wildlife corridor designed to allow the free movement of animals beneath the highway, while ensuring smooth and safe vehicular traffic above.
Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the people of Assam for turning out in large numbers. He said returning to Kaziranga brought back vivid memories of his visit two years ago, which he described as one of the most special experiences of his life. Recalling his overnight stay at Kaziranga National Park and an early morning elephant safari, Modi said the encounter allowed him to experience the region’s natural beauty up close
“Every visit to Assam fills me with joy,” Modi said, describing the state as a land of bravery, talent and cultural richness. Referring to his participation a day earlier in the Bagurumba Dwhou festival in Guwahati, he praised the Bodo community’s daughters for creating a new record with the participation of over 10,000 performers. The Prime Minister said the rhythm of the kham and the melody of the sifung mesmerised audiences, calling the presentation an experience that “touched the eyes and reached the heart.” He also thanked artists, organisers, social media influencers and the media for taking Assam’s culture to the nation and the world
Modi noted that his recent visits to Assam—from attending the Jhumoir Mahotsav and celebrating Magh Bihu to inaugurating the expanded terminal of Lokpriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport and laying the foundation of the Ammonia-Urea Complex in Namrup—reflect the government’s commitment to its mantra of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” (development along with heritage)
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